Stream Regulator With Expansion Cavity for Laminar Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stream regulators fail to optimally reduce splashing and dripping of water streams, particularly with carbonated water, and often have unsightly turbulent flows.
Innovation Solution
A stream regulator design featuring an expansion cavity and laminar flow formation through an insert and sleeve configuration, which includes an annular passage and conical collars to transform turbulent water into a laminar, low-pressure flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If carbonated water is dispensed through conventional stream regulators, then carbonation is achieved, but splashing and dripping increase due to turbulent flow
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the flow regime parameter from turbulent to laminar by designing a streamlined passage geometry. The smooth, curved contours of the outlet passage and the specific arrangement of the outlet screen create conditions for laminar flow, reducing splashing while maintaining reliable dispensing of carbonated water.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet screen acts as an intermediary element that homogenizes the water flow before it exits. By positioning the screen at a specific location and designing its mesh pattern, the invention mediates between the pressurized carbonated water and the external environment, preventing turbulence and splashing while maintaining flow stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If air gap between strainer screens is increased to homogenize flow, then flow uniformity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the flow homogenization function from the traditional dual-screen air gap structure and integrates it into a single streamlined outlet passage design. This eliminates the need for multiple screens and air gaps while achieving flow uniformity through carefully designed passage geometry and a single outlet screen.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of multiple strainer screens and air gaps into a single integrated outlet passage structure. The streamlined passage combines flow straightening, homogenization, and outlet control in one continuous geometry, reducing structural complexity while maintaining flow uniformity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional strainer screens are used to homogenize water stream, then flow homogenization is achieved, but visual appeal deteriorates due to turbulent appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the flow regime parameter from turbulent to laminar through streamlined passage geometry. The smooth contours and carefully designed outlet configuration create laminar flow conditions, producing a visually appealing, uniform stream appearance while maintaining flow homogenization.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs curved and streamlined contours in the outlet passage design. The smooth, rounded geometry of the passage and the specific curvature of the outlet edges promote laminar flow and create an aesthetically pleasing visual appearance, eliminating the turbulent, chaotic look of conventional screens.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design significantly reduces splashing and dripping while maintaining a visually appealing, crystal-clear laminar flow suitable for both carbonated and hot water, enhancing hygienic properties and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
An expansion cavity 6 is provided between an inlet 7 of the stream regulator and the annular passage 3, which expansion cavity extends around the insert 30. The stream regulator allows to generate a laminar water stream which has low tendency to splash even without being mixed with air.
Implementation Method 2
Inside the expansion cavity, the flow slows down to form a turbulent flow. Due to the low pressure, the turbulent flow can in turn be easily retransformed into a laminar flow on the outlet
Implementation Method 3
by using an inner sleeve with a conically shaped collar which extends around a conically shaped head portion of the insert. Hence, according to one embodiment, the insert has a conically tapering shape.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a stream regulator for the outlet of a water faucet or of a beverage dispenser, the stream regulator comprising an outer sleeve and a conical insert seated in the sleeve. An annular passage which provides the outlet is located between the insert and the sleeve. An expansion cavity which extends around the insert is located between an inlet and the annular passage.